Smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product

ABSTRACT

A smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product having a total aerobic microbial count of less than 2 log cfu/g is made by pasteurizing a tobacco component so as to reduce the total aerobic microbial count thereof to less than 2 log cfu/g and the total yeast and mold count thereof to less than 2 log cfu/g. The pasteurized tobacco component is mixed with one or more non-tobacco components before being compressed to form the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to European Application No. 09250218.6,filed Jan. 28, 2009, the entire content of which is incorporated hereinby this reference thereto.

BACKGROUND

A number of oral smokeless non-dissolvable tobacco products that includean insoluble residual component that is disposed of by a consumer afteruse are known in the art. Known smokeless non-dissolvable tobaccoproducts include: plug, twist, and loose leaf chewing tobacco; drysnuff; moist snuff, which typically contains finely cut fermented moisttobacco; loose or portioned snus, which typically contains finely groundmoist tobacco; and tobacco-containing chewing gum.

A number of oral smokeless dissolvable tobacco products that dissolve inthe mouth of a consumer are also known. Amongst these are smokelessdissolvable compressed tobacco products in the form of pills, tabletsand lozenges, which include powdered or ground tobacco together withother ingredients.

Raw, unprocessed tobacco may contain increased levels of viablebacteria. As smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco products dissolveand the tobacco in such products is ingested by the consumer, it wouldbe desirable to provide an improved method for treating a smokelessdissolvable compressed tobacco product for oral use.

The present invention relates to an oral smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product.

Summary of Selected Aspects

A smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product includes apasteurized tobacco component. Preferably, the smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product has a total aerobic microbial count of lessthan 2 log cfu/g. Also preferably, the pasteurized tobacco componentincludes particulate tobacco with an average particle size ranging fromabout 100 nm to about 0.5 mm. In the preferred embodiment, the smokelessdissolvable compressed tobacco product can also include one or morenon-tobacco components selected from the group consisting of: acidityregulators, buffering agents, fillers, binders, gelling agents,lubricants, anti-adherents, glidants, disintegration agents, sweeteners,flavorants, taste enhancers and colorants. Preferably, the smokelessdissolvable compressed tobacco product includes at least one binder orfiller, at least one lubricant, anti-adherent or glidant, at least oneacidity regulator, at least one flavorant, and at least one sweetener.Also preferably, the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco productcan include one or more of a gelling agent, a taste enhancer, acolorant, and a disintegration agent.

A method of making a smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco producthaving a total aerobic microbial count of less than 2 log cfu/g includesthe steps of: pasteurizing a tobacco component so as to reduce the totalaerobic microbial count thereof to less than 2 log cfu/g and the totalyeast and mold count thereof to less than 2 log cfu/g; mixing thepasteurized tobacco component with one or more non-tobacco components;and compressing the pasteurized tobacco component and one or morenon-tobacco components to form a smokeless dissolvable compressedtobacco product. Preferably, the step of pasteurizing the tobaccocomponent includes direct heating of the tobacco by hot steam injectionto a temperature ranging from about 100° C. to about 120° C. for aperiod ranging from about 1 minute to about 30 minutes. Also preferably,the step of pasteurizing the tobacco component includes direct heatingof the tobacco component by repeated hot steam injection to temperaturesof at least about 100° C. Moreover, the method can also include the stepof adjusting the pH of the pasteurized tobacco component to about 7.5and about 8.9 prior to compressing the pasteurized tobacco component andone or more non-tobacco components to form the smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numeralsare applied to like elements and wherein:

FIGS. 1( a), 1(b), and 1(c) show perspective, side and top views,respectively, of a first embodiment of a smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product;

FIGS. 2( a), 2(b), and 2(c) show perspective, side and top views,respectively, of a second embodiment of a smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product;

FIGS. 3( a), 3(b), and 3(c) show perspective, side and top views,respectively, of a third embodiment of a smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product;

FIGS. 4( a), 4(b), and 4(c) show perspective, side and top views,respectively, of a fourth embodiment of a smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product;

FIGS. 5( a), 5(b), and 5(c) show perspective, side and top views,respectively, of a fifth embodiment of a smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product;

FIGS. 6( a), 6(b), and 6(c) show perspective, side and top views,respectively, of a sixth embodiment of a smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product;

FIGS. 7( a), 7(b), and 7(c) show perspective, side and top views,respectively, of a seventh embodiment of a smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product;

FIGS. 8( a), 8(b), and 8(c) show perspective, side and top views,respectively, of an eighth embodiment of a smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product;

FIGS. 9( a), 9(b), and 9(c) show perspective, side and top views,respectively, of a ninth embodiment of a smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product;

FIGS. 10( a), 10(b), and 10(c) show perspective, side and top views,respectively, of a tenth embodiment of a smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product;

FIGS. 11( a), 11(b), and 11(c) show perspective, side and top views,respectively, of an eleventh embodiment of a smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product; and

FIGS. 12( a), 12(b), and 12(c) show perspective, side and top views,respectively, of a twelfth embodiment of a smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In a preferred embodiment, a smokeless dissolvable compressed tobaccoproduct includes a pasteurized tobacco component. Preferably, thesubstantially aseptic smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco producthas a total aerobic microbial count (also known as “TAMC”) of less than2 log cfu/g, i.e., log₁₀ cfu/g, where cfu/g is the value ofconventionally measured colony forming units per gram.

Also preferably, a method of making a smokeless dissolvable compressedtobacco product having a total aerobic microbial count of less than 2log cfu/g includes the step of pasteurizing a tobacco component toreduce the total aerobic microbial count to less than 2 log cfu/g andthe total yeast and mold count to less than 2 log cfu/g. The method alsoincludes the steps of mixing the pasteurized tobacco component with oneor more non-tobacco components, and compressing the pasteurized tobaccocomponent and one or more non-tobacco components to form a smokelessdissolvable compressed tobacco product.

For the purposes of the invention, the total aerobic microbial count ismeasured in accordance with the Nordic Committee on Food Analysis (NMKL)method No 86, 4. Ed., 2006 and the total yeast and mold count specifiedis measured in accordance with NMKL method No 98, 4. Ed., 2005. The NMKLmethod No 86, 4. Ed., 2006 is used to determine the aerobic plate countby preparing a dilution series of sample material according to generalmicrobiological principles, followed by pour-plating into an agar mediumin Petri dishes. In this method, the samples are incubated under aerobicconditions at either 30° C. for 3 days, 20° C. for 3 days, or 6.5° C.for 10 days. In the NMKL method No 98, 4. Ed., 2005, the yeast and moldcount is determined by surface inoculation of appropriate dilutionseries on dichloran rose bengal agar (DRBC), dichloran glycerol agar(DG18) or oxytetracykline glucose yeast extract agar (OGYE) dependent onwhich matrix are analysed. In this method, mold and yeast are countedafter incubation at 22-25.0+/−1.0° C. for 5-7 days.

The tobacco component may be pasteurized using any suitable techniqueprovided that the pasteuriation parameters such as temperature and timeare sufficient to reduce the total aerobic microbial count of thetobacco component to less than 2 log cfu/g and the total yeast and moldcount of the tobacco component to less than 2 log cfu/g to render thetobacco component substantially aseptic.

Suitable pasteurization techniques include, but are not limited to,single hot steam injection, repeated hot steam injection and indirectheating. Preferably, the tobacco component is pasteurized by hot steaminjection, more preferably by repeated hot steam injection.

Preferably, the step of pasteurizing the tobacco component includesdirect heating of the tobacco by hot steam injection to a temperatureranging from about 100° C. to about 120° C. for a period ranging fromabout 1 minute tod about 30 minutes. More preferably, the step ofpasteurizing the tobacco component includes direct heating of thetobacco component by repeated hot steam injection to temperatures of atleast about 100° C.

As well as reducing the total aerobic microbial count and the totalyeast and mold count of the tobacco component, the heat treatment of thetobacco component during pasteurization advantageously results in theformation of tobacco-derived flavorings.

In the preferred embodiment, the tobacco component may be pasteurizedtogether with water. Alternatively, or in addition, the tobaccocomponent may be pasteurized with one or more other additives approvedfor use in the food industry, including, but not limited to, sodiumchloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, propylene glycol,glycerol and combinations thereof.

Preferably, the pH of the pasteurized tobacco component may be adjustedprior to compressing the pasteurized tobacco component and one or morenon-tobacco components to form the smokeless dissolvable compressedtobacco product.

Also preferably, the pH of the pasteurized tobacco component is adjustedto between about 7.5 and about 8.9. The pH of the pasteurized tobaccocomponent may be adjusted through the addition of one or more acidityregulators. Suitable acidity regulators approved for use in the foodindustry are known in the art and include, but are not limited to:alkali carbonates, such as sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate;calcium carbonate; alkali hydroxides, such as sodium hydroxide andpotassium hydroxide; calcium hydroxide; magnesium hydroxide; andcombinations thereof.

Preferably the pH of the pasteurized tobacco component is adjusted priorto mixing the pasteurized tobacco component with the one or morenon-tobacco components.

However, alternatively or in addition, the pH of the pasteurized tobaccocomponent may be adjusted by mixing the pasteurized tobacco componentwith one or more non-tobacco components including at least one acidityregulator or buffering agent.

In the preferred embodiment, the tobacco component may include one ormore of tobacco lamina, tobacco stem, expanded tobacco and reconstitutedtobacco.

Preferably, the tobacco component may include a blend of two or moredifferent types of tobacco. For example, the tobacco component mayinclude a blend of two or more of different types of tobacco selectedfrom the group consisting of Virginia, Burley, Maryland, Nicotianarustica and oriental tobacco. Alternatively, the tobacco component mayinclude a single type of tobacco.

Also preferably, the tobacco component may include tobacco that has beenone or more of dried, aged, flue-cured, air-cured, fire-cured,sun-cured, shredded, powdered and ground. Preferably, the tobaccocomponent includes air-cured tobacco, sun-cured tobacco, dark air-curedtobacco or a combination thereof. Also preferably, the tobacco componentincludes particulate tobacco. More preferably, the tobacco componentincludes powdered tobacco, ground tobacco or a combination thereof.

The particulate tobacco may have any suitable average particle size. Forexample, the particulate tobacco may have an average particle size ofless than about 1 mm, less than about 0.5 mm, or less than about 0.1 mm.Preferably, the particulate tobacco has an average particle size rangingfrom about 100 nm to about 1 mm, more preferably ranging from about 100nm to about 0.5 mm. The tobacco may be ground and sieved in a typicalmanner in order to obtain a desired particle size.

As well as the tobacco component, to obtain desired mechanical andorganoleptic properties, the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobaccoproduct further includes one or more non-tobacco components. Forexample, smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco products may furtherinclude one or more non-tobacco components approved for use in the foodindustry selected from the group consisting of: acidity regulators,buffering agents, fillers, binders, gelling agents, lubricants,anti-adherents, glidants, disintegration agents, sweeteners, flavorants,taste enhancers and colorants.

In the preferred embodiment, the tobacco component may be dry blended orotherwise mixed with the one or more non-tobacco components. Forexample, the tobacco component and one or more non-tobacco componentsmay be ground together or mixed in a twisting powder mixer.

Preferably, the tobacco component may be present in the smokelessdissolvable compressed tobacco product in an amount ranging from about0.5% to about 60% of the dry weight of the compressed tobacco product.The amount of the tobacco component may be selected as a function of,for example, the desired nicotine content or the desired flavor or otherorganoleptic properties of the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobaccoproduct.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product includes: at least one binder or filler; atleast one lubricant, anti-adherent or glidant; at least one acidityregulator; at least one flavorant; and at least one sweetener.Preferably, the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product alsoincludes one or more of a gelling agent, a taste enhancer, a colorantand a disintegration agent.

Preferably, the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco productincludes at least one binder or filler. Throughout the specification,the terms “binder” and “filler” are used to refer to any component thatincreases the disintegration time of the dissolvable compressed tobaccoproduct, maintains the integrity of the dissolvable compressed tobaccoproduct, increases the hardness of the dissolvable compressed tobaccoproduct, reduces the friability of the dissolvable compressed tobaccoproduct or adds bulk to the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobaccoproduct. It will be appreciated that a single non-tobacco component mayperform the functions of a binder and a filler.

The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product may optionallyinclude one or more gelling agents. Throughout the specification, theterm “gelling agent” is used to refer to any component that affects themouth feel of the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product whendissolved in the mouth of a consumer.

Suitable binders, fillers and gelling agents are known in the art andinclude, but are not limited to: non-tobacco plant fibres; starches,including pre-gelatinized starch; gums, including natural gums, such asxanthan gum, gum, acacia, gum arabic, guar gum, locust bean gum andsodium alginate; pectins; gelatin; agar; carrageenan; pullulan;microcrystalline cellulose; methyl cellulose; carboxymethyl cellulose;dextrins, including maltodextrin; sugar alcohols, such as erythritol,xylitol mannitol, sorbitol, isomalt, maltitol and lactitol; glucose;lactose; sucrose; polyvidone; calcium sulfate dihydrate; andcombinations thereof.

In the preferred embodiment, the smokeless dissolvable compressedtobacco product includes microcrystalline cellulose, which functions asa binder and a filler.

The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product may optionallyinclude one or more lubricants, anti-adherents, glidants or combinationsthereof. Throughout the specification, the terms “lubricant”“anti-adherent” and “glidant” are used to refer to any component thatfacilitates manufacturing of the smokeless dissolvable compressedtobacco product by reducing friction, reducing adhesion, or otherwiseimproving flow properties. It will be appreciated that a singlenon-tobacco component may perform the functions of one or more of alubricant, an anti-adherent and a glidant.

Suitable lubricants, anti-adherents and glidants are known in the artand include, but are not limited to: stearates, including magnesiumstearate, calcium stearate, sodium stearate, zinc stearate, andderivatives thereof, including sodium stearyl fumarate; fatty acids,including stearic acid; silicates, including magnesium silicates andcalcium silicates; starch; lauryl sulfates, including magnesium laurylsulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate; polyethylene glycol; and silicaaerogels, including colloidal fumed silica.

Preferably, the one or more lubricants, anti-adherents, glidants orcombinations thereof may be present in the smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product in an amount of, for example, between about0.1% to about 5% of the dry weight of the compressed tobacco product.Also preferably, the one or more lubricants, anti-adherents, glidants orcombinations thereof are present in the smokeless dissolvable compressedtobacco product in an amount of less than about 1% of the dry weight ofthe compressed tobacco product, more preferably in an amount of about0.2% of the dry weight of the compressed tobacco product.

The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product may optionallyinclude one or more disintegrants. Throughout the specification, theterm “disintegrant” is used to refer to any component that facilitatesbreakup or disintegration of the smokeless dissolvable compressedtobacco product when placed in a consumer's mouth.

Suitable disintegrants are known in the art and include, but are notlimited to: starches, including pregelatinised starch; sodium starchglycolate; sodium alginate; croscarmellose sodium; crosslinkedpolyvinylpyrrolidone, including crospovidone; sodium carboxymethylcellulose; calcium carboxymethyl cellulose; sodium bicarbonate; andcalcium carbonate.

Depending on the nature thereof, the one or more disintegrants may bepresent in the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product in anamount, for example, ranging from about 1% to about 15% of the dryweight of the compressed tobacco product.

In addition, the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product mayoptionally include one or more sweeteners. Smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco products may include natural sweeteners, artificialsweeteners or combinations thereof. Suitable natural and artificialsweeteners are known in the art and include, but are not limited to:monosaccharides, such as glucose, fructose, ribose xylose and invertsugar; disaccharides, such as lactose, maltose and sucrose; sugaralcohols, such as erythritol, xylitol mannitol, sorbitol, isomalt,maltitol and lactitol; and artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose,aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K, and cyclamate,

Moreover, the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product mayoptionally include one or more flavorants. Smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco products may include natural flavorants, artificialflavorants or combinations thereof. The one or more flavorants may beadded in encapsulated or non-encapsulated form.

Suitable natural and artificial flavorants are known in the art andinclude, but are not limited to, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen,menthol, eucalyptus oil, angelica, anise, anethole, carvone, vanillin,vanilla, basil oil, cardamom, cassia, cinnamon, clove, cocoa, corianderoil, fennel oil, fenugreek, ginger, lemon grass, liquorice, nutmeg,palmarosa oil, sage oil, acacia, amber, clary, geranium, jasmine,juniper berry, lavender oil, magnolia, oak moss, orris root, osmanthus,rose oil, sandalwood, bergamot oil, lemon oil, lime oil, orange oil,fruit extracts, fruit flavoring, almond, coconut, chocolate, coffee,tea, arrack, rum, cognac, whisky, and gin.

The one or more flavorants may be present in the smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product in an amount, for example, ranging from about0.1% to about 4% of the dry weight of the compressed tobacco product.

The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product may optionallyinclude one or more taste enhancers such as, for example, sodiumchloride or ammonium chloride.

Additionally, the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product mayoptionally include one or more colorants to, for example, indicate orreflect the flavor or brand of the compressed tobacco product orotherwise enhance its aesthetic appearance.

It will be appreciated that smokeless dissolvable compressed tobaccoproducts may include multifunctional non-tobacco components that performtwo or more of the functions previously described above. For example,the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product may include amultifunctional non-tobacco component that functions as at least two of:(i) a binder or filler; (ii) a lubricant, anti-adherent or glidant; and(iii) a disintegrant. In one embodiment, the smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product may include pre-gelatinised starch thatfunctions as a binder, lubricant and disintegrant.

In the preferred embodiment, smokeless dissolvable compressed tobaccoproducts may also include mutlifunctional non-tobacco components thatperform two or more other functions. For example, the smokelessdissolvable compressed tobacco product may include a sugar alcohol thatacts as a binder and a sweetener, or colloidal fumed silica that acts asa glidant and a desiccant. Other suitable known desiccants such as, forexample, magnesium sulfate may also be included in smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco products to control the moisture content thereof.

Also in the preferred embodiment, the pasteurized tobacco component maybe dry blended with one or more non-tobacco components and then directlycompressed in a typical manner to form the smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product. The pasteurized tobacco component and one ormore non-tobacco components maybe be directly compressed using, forexample, a tablet press having a single die and punch arrangement or arotary tablet press having multiple dies. Prior to being dry blendedwith one or more non-tobacco components, the pasteurized tobaccocomponent may optionally be wet granulated in a typical manner using,for example, a fluid bed granulator.

Preferably, the compression forces used to form the smokelessdissolvable compressed tobacco product may be selected based on a numberof factors. These factors include: the type of apparatus employed tocompress the tobacco component and one or more non-tobacco components;the size of the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product; thedesired physical and mechanical properties of the smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product, including but not limited to the hardness,friability, disintegration or dissolution characteristics; and thedesired appearance of the compressed smokeless dissolvable compressedtobacco product. For example, through an appropriate choice ofcompression force and the tobacco and non-tobacco components thereof,smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco products may be produced havinga hardness ranging from about 2 N and about 300 N.

Furthermore, through an appropriate choice of compression force and thetobacco and non-tobacco components thereof, smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco products may be produced that dissolve in the mouthof an average consumer within about 5 minutes to about 45 minutes.

In a preferred embodiment, through an appropriate choice of the one ormore non-tobacco components therein, smokeless dissolvable compressedtobacco products according to the invention dissolve in the mouth of anaverage consumer within about 5 minutes to about 15 minutes.

Through another appropriate choice of the one or more non-tobaccocomponents, smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco products whichdissolve in the mouth of an average consumer within about 30 minutes toabout 45 minutes and which can be sucked by a consumer and then “parked”between their cheek and gum may be advantageously produced.

If desired, one or more surfaces of the formed smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product may be embossed or debossed. Alternativelythe formed smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product may be atleast partially coated in a typical manner using, for example, a pancoater.

Smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco products may be produced in oneor more predetermined shapes or configurations. FIGS. 1-12 show: (a)perspective views; (b) side views; and (c) top views, respectively, ofexemplary different shaped smokeless dissolvable compressed tobaccoproducts. As shown in FIGS. 1( a), 1(b), and 1(c), the smokelessdissolvable compressed tobacco product can have a generally oblong shapewith substantially flat or planar faces. As shown in FIGS. 2( a), 2(b),and 2(c), the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product can havea generally disk shaped configuration with substantially flat or planarfaces. As shown in FIGS. 3( a), 3(b), and 3(c), the smokelessdissolvable compressed tobacco product can have a generally disk shapedconfiguration with domed or convex faces. As shown in FIGS. 4( a), 4(b),and 4(c), the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product can havea generally spherical shape. As shown in FIGS. 5( a), 5(b), and 5(c),the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product can have agenerally oblong shape with domed or convex faces. As shown in FIGS. 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c), the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco productcan have an oblong shape with biaxially symmetric faces. As shown inFIGS. 7( a), 7(b), and 7(c), the smokeless dissolvable compressedtobacco product can have an elongated generally rectangularparallelepiped shape. As shown in FIGS. 8( a), 8(b), and 8(c), thesmokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product can have a generallyrectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in FIGS. 9( a), 9(b), and9(c), the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product can have agenerally square opposed surfaces. As shown in FIGS. 10( a), 10(b), and10(c), the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product can have agenerally pyramidal structure. As shown in FIGS. 11( a), 11(b), and11(c), the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product can havegenerally triangular opposed surfaces. As shown in FIGS. 12( a), 12(b),and 12(c), the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product can havegenerally hexagonal opposed surfaces.

Smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco products may also be producedin a variety of different sizes. For example, smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco products may have a diameter ranging from about 2 mmto about 30 mm and a weight ranging from about 0.1 g to about 3.0 g.

In this specification, the word “about” is often used in connection withnumerical values to indicate that mathematical precision of such valuesis not intended. Accordingly, it is intended that where “about” is usedwith a numerical value, a tolerance of ±10% is contemplated for thatnumerical value.

In this specification the words “generally” and “substantially” aresometimes used with respect to terms. When used with geometric terms,the words “generally” and “substantially” are intended to encompass notonly features which meet the strict definitions but also features whichfairly approximate the strict definitions.

While the foregoing describes in detail a preferred a smokelessdissolvable compressed tobacco product and methods of making the productwith reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent toone skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may bemade to the product and equivalent methods may be employed, which do notmaterially depart from the spirit and scope of the foregoingdescription. Accordingly, all such changes, modifications, andequivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claimsare intended to be encompassed thereby.

1. A smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product comprising: apasteurized tobacco component having a total aerobic microbial count ofless than 2 log cfu/g.
 2. The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobaccoproduct of claim 1, wherein the pasteurized tobacco component includesparticulate tobacco with an average particle size ranging from about 100nm to about 0.5 mm.
 3. The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobaccoproduct of claim 1, further including one or more non-tobacco componentsselected from the group consisting of: acidity regulators, bufferingagents, fillers, binders, gelling agents, lubricants, anti-adherents,glidants, disintegration agents, sweeteners, flavorants, taste enhancersand colorants.
 4. The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco productof claim 1, further including: at least one binder or filler; at leastone lubricant, anti-adherent or glidant; at least one acidity regulator;at least one flavorant; and at least one sweetener.
 5. The smokelessdissolvable compressed tobacco product of claim 4, further including oneor more of: a gelling agent; a taste enhancer; a colorant; and adisintegration agent.
 6. The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobaccoproduct of claim 1, wherein the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobaccoproduct has a diameter ranging from about 2 mm to about 30 mm.
 7. Thesmokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product of claim 1, wherein thesmokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product has a weight rangingfrom about 0.1 g to about 3.0 g.
 8. The smokeless dissolvable compressedtobacco product of claim 1, wherein the smokeless dissolvable compressedtobacco product has a hardness ranging from about 2 N to about 300 N. 9.The smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product of claim 1, whereinthe pasteurized tobacco component is included in the smokelessdissolvable compressed tobacco product in an amount ranging from about0.5% to about 60% of the dry weight of the smokeless dissolvablecompressed tobacco product.
 10. The smokeless dissolvable compressedtobacco product of claim 1, wherein the pasteurized tobacco componenthas a pH ranging from about 7.5 to about 8.9.
 11. A method of making asmokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product having a total aerobicmicrobial count of less than 2 log cfu/g comprising the steps of:pasteurizing a tobacco component so as to reduce the total aerobicmicrobial count thereof to less than 2 log cfu/g and the total yeast andmold count thereof to less than 2 log cfu/g; mixing the pasteurizedtobacco component with one or more non-tobacco components; andcompressing the pasteurized tobacco component and one or morenon-tobacco components to form a product having a predetermined shape.12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of pasteurizing the tobaccocomponent includes direct heating of the tobacco by hot steam injectionto a temperature ranging from about 100° C. to about 120° C. for aperiod ranging from about 1 minute to about 30 minutes.
 13. The methodof claim 11, wherein the step of pasteurizing the tobacco componentincludes direct heating of the tobacco component by repeated hot steaminjection to temperatures of at least about 100° C.
 14. The method ofclaim 11, further including the step of adjusting the pH of thepasteurized tobacco component to about 7.5 and about 8.9 prior tocompressing the pasteurized tobacco component and one or morenon-tobacco components to form the smokeless dissolvable compressedtobacco product.